blog title

test

For UAE travellers, there really is no holiday more convenient than stepping aboard a luxury cruise right here in Dubai and setting sail across the Arabian Gulf. Explore cultural sights in nations like Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, and Doha, all while living in the total comfort of an all-inclusive floating resort.

Our Arabian cruises are a stress-free way to discover the Gulf’s highlights and experience new cultures while you also enjoy world-class dining, entertainment, and relaxation on board one of the finest luxury cruise liners. We offer both short getaways and weeks-long voyages – and the best part is, no matter how long you travel for, you’ll only ever need to unpack once.

If you’re considering your first cruise, here’s everything you need to know about Arabian Gulf itineraries, port highlights, onboard life, and how DW Travel can help make it seamless.

Popular Arabian cruise itineraries

Two of the most popular cruise lines operating from Dubai are MSC Cruises and Celestyal Cruises, both offering flexible short and longer itineraries. Your DW Travel expert can help you to choose the company and itinerary that’s right for you.

●      MSC Euribia departs from Dubai with 3, 4, or 7-night itineraries, taking in regional favourites like Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas, and Muscat. 

●      Celestyal Cruises also offers 3, 4, and 7-night Gulf cruises, combining Dubai departures with visits to Doha, Bahrain, and Oman.

These itineraries are designed with regional travellers in mind, making it easy to take a short break without long flights. Of course, other services and tour packages are available - for more inspiration, explore our Arabian cruise packages and cruise holiday deals.

Port highlights in the Arabian Gulf

Every stop on an Arabian cruise offers something unique, and a new location to discover and explore! Every cruise operator has a slightly different itinerary, but here are some of the highlights you might look forward to:

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

There’s a lot to do and see in Abu Dhabi. Our suggested highlights? Visit the breathtaking Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, explore Louvre Abu Dhabi, or relax on Yas Island with theme parks, luxury hotels, and beach clubs. There’s also plenty of things to do in Abu Dhabi with kids if you’re on a family cruise.

Doha, Qatar

The capital of Qatar really is a classic Arabian coastal mix of traditional culture and cutting-edge technology, from the Souq Waqif and Museum of Islamic Art to the glittering skyscrapers making up the skyline of West Bay. Don’t miss a stroll along the crescent-shaped promenade, the Corniche.

Bahrain

A beautiful city known for its rich and storied history, Bahrain is a great location to visit on a cruise. You can explore the UNESCO-listed Bahrain Fort, browse through Manama souqs, and visit the glitzy Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit.

Muscat, Oman

Muscat is a lovely city and a quieter, more cultural stop. Visit the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Mutrah Souq, and admire Muscat’s seriously dramatic coastal scenery.

Khasab, Oman

Famous for its incredible and dramatic fjord-like coastlines, this is the place to book a dhow cruise and spot dolphins.

Sir Bani Yas Island, United Arab Emirates

Home to the Arabian Wildlife Park, a private nature reserve in Abu Dhabi. A stop here allows you to spot free-roaming wildlife like giraffes, cheetahs, and gazelles – plus beautiful beaches.

Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates

Ras Al Khaimah, or RAK, is known for adventure - from Jebel Jais mountain views to desert safaris and zipline thrills. Check out our guide on things to do in Ras Al Khaimah for ideas of what to see while you’re ashore!

Interested in making a longer stop at one of these locations? DW Travel can tailor private tours or shore excursions at each stop, making sure you get the most out of your time in port.

Life onboard: dining, entertainment, and relaxation

On a cruise, the ship itself is part of the holiday! Along with beautiful ocean sights, the dining options onboard with our cruise partners are world-class. Most cruises have a wide range of options covering everything from buffets to fine dining restaurants – plus, naturally, plenty of options catering to halal travellers.

There’s also no shortage of entertainment, with most cruise partners offering Broadway-style shows and live music. For the younger members of the family, most cruises offer kids’ clubs and activities or even waterparks, making a cruise holiday a perfect pick for families.

Most Arabian cruises also offer lots of little luxuries for you to enjoy, like spas, swimming pools, and adult only retreats. From movie nights to stargazing on deck, there’s always something to do on board. Many ships even have themed nights and regional experiences, so that you can enjoy traditional Arabian hospitality even while you’re at sea.

For more inspiration, check out our guide to the benefits of cruises.

Best season to cruise the Arabian Gulf

The cruise season in the Arabian Gulf typically runs from November to March, when the weather is a little cooler, making it more pleasant for sightseeing. The cooler months also coincide with major events like the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Dubai Shopping Festival, and Qatar’s National Day, giving you even more reasons to travel!

If there’s an event or season that you’re really keen to see, then make sure you speak to one of our DW Travel experts, who can help make sure your cruise timing works for you.

What to pack for an Arabian cruise

Packing for a Gulf cruise is simple. For daytime exploring, choose loose and lightweight clothing to help beat the heat, but you’ll probably want smart casual attire for evenings on board, and potentially some formal outfits for more formal nights at sea. And, of course, don’t forget swimwear for the pool, and comfortable shoes for walking tours! A light jacket can also be useful for those cooler evenings at sea.

Why Arabian cruises are ideal for UAE residents

For UAE residents, Arabian Gulf cruises are one of the easiest holidays you can book. Need some convincing? You can embark directly from Dubai or Abu Dhabi and there’s no need to worry about flights or transfers. Transport, accommodation, and meals are all combined into one package with no need to sort separately. Visas are straightforward for most itineraries (although, of course, our visa services are always available if you do need any support). All in all, it’s the ultimate stress-free escape, and suitable whether you’re booking for a couple’s getaway, a family adventure, or a vacation with friends.

At DW Travel, we’ll help you choose the right itinerary, arrange any additional bespoke requirements you might need, and help to add VIP touches like private transfers and curated shore excursions. Our experts are thoroughly experienced in booking cruises, so you can rest assured that your holiday will be smooth from start to finish.

Ready to set sail? Explore our cruise packages or speak to a DW Travel consultant today about how we can tailor your Arabian cruise holiday, and get ready to start exploring the Arabian coast in style.